I never knew that the VW Thing was called by different names in different countries, might be an interesting story to look into..Checked it out and here’s what I found.Manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen from 1968 to 1983. , as the Kurierwagen in West Germany, the Trekker (RHD Type 182) in the United Kingdom, the Thing in the United States (1973–74), the Safari in Mexico and South America, and Pescaccia in Italy. Civilian sales ended after model year 1980.[gurgel in Australia]

I would think back in the 1970 the VW thing needed a cool factor so Thing came to mind.I would have thought Safari would have fit it better but the name may have already been in use by some other brand???